Movielogr
Wife of a Spy (2020)
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Twitter Facebook Google+Most recently watched by sensoria
Overview
It’s 1940, and the population of Japan is divided over its entry into World War II. Satoko, the wife of a fabric merchant, is devoted to her husband but is beginning to suspect he’s up to something. Soon she allows herself to be drawn into a game in which she enigmatically conceals her intentions.
Rated NR | Length 114 minutes
Actors
Yu Aoi | Issey Takahashi | Masahiro Higashide | Bando Ryota | Yuri Tsunematsu | Hyunri Lee | Takashi Sasano | Sakichi Satô | Chuck Johnson | Maki Nishiyama | Minosuke | Nihi
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/20/2021 | Home Theater | Streaming | Video on Demand | 6.5 stars |
| (Average) 6.5 stars |
Viewing Notes
Third movie we watched to kick off JAPAN CUTS 2021, Ron’s pick and one I’m sure he wish he could take back. ;-)
This is a long sprawling war drama low-key thriller that feels like stageplay. Not just in the screenplay but the overacting (at times), the perfunctory story beats to get to the next scene, the framing and small setpieces, etc. I kept envisioning this as a play and maybe it worked better for me bc of that? All that said, I would not have guessed this was a Kiyoshi Kurosawa film; feels too on the nose and safe.
I do like the movie and the talent involved but this is probably near the bottom or at the bottom of K.Kurosawa for me. That’s unfortunate b/c this movie had so much buzz going into the fest and Yu Aoi, the titular *wife*, even won their award for best acting (I watched her video acceptance speech later). The movie is also getting a run at the IFC Center in NYC after the fest. So wild but I get it; it’s K. Kurosawa and probably more palatable for general audiences compared to his much of his back catalog.
It was cool to see Masahiro Higashide in a villain-type of role here after watching his excellent turn as two characters in ASAKO I & II. He is a handsome dude.
No comments yet. Log in and be the first!